Chapter 21: Tangerine Flower Paper (3)
Part 8
“So, it’s not good to just ramble excitedly when someone brings up a topic they think you’ll like. They’re probably being considerate, picking something they think you’ll vibe with, even if it’s not their thing. But if you latch onto it and start blabbering about stuff only you care about, who’s gonna enjoy that?”
“…I get it in my head, but when the moment comes, it’s like I can’t control myself…”
A heavy sigh escaped me.
Speaking well is hard, but it’s not like anyone’s doomed to suck at it forever.
I’d seen cases like this before, but facing them head-on, frustration outweighed pity.
“That’s just because you don’t have enough practice with everyday conversations.”
“…But I’m good at chatting when I’m gaming.”
“That’s because you’re with people who share the same hobby! With them, you can talk about your interests all day, and it’s fine—they’re into it too. But not everyone you meet in real life is gonna care about the same games you do, MintLatte.”
The chat filled up with comments like, “True lol.”
It’s something most people know intuitively, but that obviousness makes it tricky to explain.
“This might sound harsh, but someone bringing up a topic they think you’ll like can be a hassle for them. It’s a favor. Don’t just take it and run—return the favor by engaging and bringing up something they might be into.”
“Something they’re into…?”
Oh god, we’re starting from here? And you’re an adult?
“…You know, safe topics. Like food or drinks. If they seem into it, chime in with what you like or recommend a good place nearby. Or talk about a recent movie, drama, or music.”
What started as casual advice had somehow stretched toward two hours.
There was the guy who thought “showering” meant splashing hot water on himself, the one who kept interrupting to give unsolicited advice, and the heartbreaking case of someone struggling with a stammer…
“That’s step one: find common ground with small talk. Once you’ve got that, you can stick to topics you both connect on.”
“…That sounds like it’d run dry fast.”
“You’d be surprised. I could talk about my favorite movies for hours. Anyway, don’t you have any hobbies besides gaming?”
With Sanghyeon likely waking soon, I’d said this would be the last call before ending the stream, so I needed to wrap it up.
Honestly, diving this deep into society’s darker corners was mentally exhausting.
“Uh… not really? When I have time, I game or watch videos, that’s about it.”
“Videos? What kind?”
“…Game walkthroughs…”
“…What?”
– LOLOL she sounds legit pissed
– Clueless dude, she said NO games, and you bring up games?!
– The loner energy is unreal~
I couldn’t help the annoyed edge in my voice.
I try not to snap, but every call seems to hit this point, and the viewers eat it up like it’s intentional.
“…I also watch videos of handling small animals, or loop music playlists…”
“…Ahem. Music, huh? You like it?”
“Haha… who doesn’t like music? Not obsessed, just something to kill time.”
“Oh, like what? Not pop, I’m guessing?”
“I’m not big on classical. More like new age or jazzy stuff.”
“New age! Nice. Any favorite artists?”
– Note: Sis likes new age.
What are they writing down?
Ignoring the chat buzzing about me, I focused on MintLatte, who’d finally—after 30 minutes—shifted to a non-gaming topic, whether he got my hint or just went with the flow.
“I like stuff with repetitive progressions, you know? Like Siwol-nim or Hwansang-nim…”
“Oh, like Recollection or Romance? Love those.”
“Yeah, Romance! I listen to it a ton. It’s got that immersive vibe.”
“See? You can talk about stuff besides games.”
“…Oh.”
“You said you’re friendless after returning to school, but next time you’re at a department dinner, keep this in mind. College only happens once—wouldn’t it suck to go through it without a single friend?”
– Her advice has this seasoned vibe ;;
– How old is this wise elder…?
“Come on, good advice doesn’t have an age limit…”
We exchanged quick goodbyes, and I ended the call.
His repeated thanks left me flustered and briefly a target for teasing, but it felt worthwhile.
Not what I’d planned, but I’d more than met my goal of finding someone to talk to.
“…Anyway, that’s it! Shutting down the stream now.”
– Hnng… scold us more, Sis…
– I wanna talk too, waaah!!!!
“Grown adults whining like that aren’t cute. It’s kinda gross…”
– Reward!
– REWARD!!!!
What part of this is rewarding…?
“Ugh… just sitting here talking is way more tiring than I thought. I need a break. My brother’s probably waking up soon, so catch me on his stream maybe.”
– You streaming again, Sis?
Amid the “don’t go” and “rest well” messages, one question stood out.
I mulled it over, then checked the viewer count one last time.
130.
The fact that so many tuned in just for my voice was both thrilling and daunting.
Self-esteem. Self-affirmation. Kindness from others.
The natural joy of it.
The nagging thought I was indulging in something not truly mine.
The debate was brief.
This is me now, so what?
I settled on that.
“Maybe if I feel like it.”
– Cam Buy And Go Solo donated 50,000 won!
– Can’t resist now lolol
“…Cam Buy And Go Solo, thanks for the 50,000 won. But why donate? I could borrow a cam, and it’s not like I can’t afford one.”
– If You Feel Bad You’ll Stream donated 30,000 won!
“…If You Feel Bad You’ll Stream, thanks for the 30,000 won. Seriously, stop donating! Donate to charity instead. I’ll get mad if this keeps up.”
– Cheungjeokun donated 10,000 won!
– Great stream, Sis. Seeing you have fun makes me happy, ohohong.
The moment I turned off donations, one last one slipped through.
The nickname sent chills down my spine.
My body stiffened, and I slowly turned toward the door.
There was Sanghyeon, shaking his phone, barely containing a laugh.
“…Eek.”
– ??? For real?
– It’s Cheungjeokun?
– Sis? Sis? Sis? Sis?
“If you liked the stream that much, you could’ve said so earlier. If just watching me read chats makes you grin like that, I’d be happy to give you pointers.”
When did he start watching?
No, that didn’t matter.
Well, it did, but that wasn’t the point.
“Instead of people, tell an AI to write it~”
Sanghyeon’s teasing, mimicking my tone, flashed back in my memory.
My words. My inflection.
And the laugh I couldn’t hold back.
“Pfft… snrk… Sis, you’re… really good at this…”
“…Oh.”
How much teasing would I get for this?
The depth of it was too much to fathom, and my mind reeled.
Without another word, amidst the flood of laughing chats, I shut off the computer.